Yellowknife (Aug 02/06) - The NWT's newest supreme court justice likes euchre, Cheez Whiz toast, getting outdoors, chatting over a nice walk or coffee and the Montreal Canadiens.

Louise Anne Marie Charbonneau is also fair, determined and well-deserving of her new post, according to the many friends and colleagues who watched as she was sworn in last Friday.

Supreme Justice Ted Richard officiated the ceremony, which took place at the Yellowknife Court House.

"It is indeed a privilege to preside today as a senior judge," said Richard.

In his opening remarks, Richard said Charbonneau would be the fourth resident justice in the supreme court, and the ninth judge to hear cases while living in the North in the court's history, dating back to the 1950s.

Charbonneau practised law for the Yellowknife office of the Department of Justice Canada for 16 years.

Graduating at the top of her law class at the University of Ottawa, Charbonneau was called to the bar in Quebec in 1989. Only a year later, Charbonneau came to work in Yellowknife and was called to the NWT bar.

What was supposed to be an 18-month contract turned into what Charbonneau calls "a lifetime of adventures" here in the North.

"It's a little bit overwhelming to be sitting here, taking in this new look, new seat, new courtroom," she said.

Charbonneau added, "I'm lucky I chose to practice law here."

Friends and family shared her sentiments, wishing her all the best. "We'll miss you very much," said Diane Sylvain, former co-worker and representative of the attorney general of the NWT.

Charbonneau's partner, Dominique Lebrun said she is very proud of Charbonneau's appointment, commenting on how tough it was for Charbonneau to leave her old job that meant so much to her.

"Lots of emotions to pack up 16 years worth of stuff in her office," said Lebrun.

"The most important thing, like (Charbonneau) said, is that she's happy," said Charbonneau's mother, Monique.

Charbonneau joins supreme court justice Richard, John Vertes, and Virginia Schuler.

The new justice will participate in the court of appeals for the NWT, the Yukon, and Nunavut.